Postdoc in Metabolic Signaling, Insulin Resistance, and Intracellular Nutrient Trafficking

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic postdoc for a 2-year position, who is excited to explore the molecular mechanisms linking nutrient signaling, hormonal control, and insulin sensitivity across model systems. The position is set to commence on 1 July 2025.

 

Postdoc in Metabolic Signaling, Insulin Resistance, and Intracellular Nutrient Trafficking

We are seeking a highly motivated and curious postdoctoral researcher to join the Rewitz Group at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen. Our lab investigates how hormones regulate metabolic processes and interorgan communication, using a combination of genetic, molecular, and imaging approaches. This two-year position focuses on the molecular mechanisms by which hormones modulate insulin sensitivity and intracellular nutrient trafficking in adipose and muscle tissues, including cholesterol dynamics and TOR signaling. The successful candidate will use both Drosophila and mammalian models to uncover conserved pathways that link nutrient sensing and trafficking with hormonal regulation of metabolic processes. Prior experience with metabolism and insulin signaling – particularly using Drosophila genetics, mammalian cell culture, and organoid models – is a strong advantage.

Information on the department can be found at: https://www1.bio.ku.dk/

 

Our research
Our research has identified conserved nutrient-sensing mechanisms and hormonal signals that regulate metabolic processes. We have uncovered a pathway that modulates insulin sensitivity using both Drosophila and mammalian adipocytes, and revealed a role for intracellular cholesterol as a key nutrient that promotes insulin/TOR pathway activity. This project will explore how hormonal signals and cholesterol modulate insulin/TOR signaling sensitivity in tissues such as adipose and muscle. By combining Drosophila genetics with mammalian cell culture and potentially organoid models, the project will dissect the molecular mechanisms by which nutrient cues and hormonal signals control metabolic processes and insulin sensitivity. We will focus on how hormonal inputs alter TOR and insulin pathway activity, how intracellular cholesterol trafficking influences these effects, and how these interactions impact tissue-specific insulin responsiveness. The overall aim is to reveal fundamental principles underlying insulin/TOR pathway regulation and the development of insulin resistance. The project offers opportunities to apply advanced genetics, live imaging, and physiological analyses in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.

 

Your job
As a postdoctoral researcher on this project, your role will be to design and conduct experiments to uncover how hormonal signals and nutrient dynamics regulate insulin/TOR signaling in adipose and muscle tissues. You will work with both Drosophila and mammalian systems, applying advanced genetic tools, imaging approaches, and molecular assays to dissect the interplay between intracellular cholesterol trafficking and hormonal control of metabolic pathways. You will be responsible for driving your own subprojects, analyzing data, and contributing to collaborative discussions within the group and with external partners. The position offers the opportunity to develop and apply cutting-edge techniques, mentor students, and contribute to publications that aim to advance our understanding of metabolic regulation and insulin sensitivity.

 

Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following competencies and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a Ph.D. in Biology, Molecular Biosciences, Genetics, or a related field.
• You have experience with genetics and molecular cell biology.
• You have experience working with invertebrate model organisms, particularly Drosophila.
• You have experience with mammalian cell culture, with experience in stem cell differentiation and genetic manipulation being advantageous
• You have strong expertise in the cell biology of insulin/TOR signaling
• You are proficient in written and spoken English.
• You have strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• You are independent, driven, and intellectually curious in your approach to research.

Desirable experience and skills:

• You have previous experience at the postdoctoral level.
• You have experience in molecular techniques such as qPCR, western blots, immunohistochemistry, and metabolic assays.
• You have experience in analyzing proteomics and RNA-seq data.
• You have experience with advanced confocal microscopy.
• You have experience with generating and maintaining organoid cultures.

 

Place of employment

The place of employment is at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern molecular biology laboratories and advanced bioimaging facilities.

 

Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of two years. The starting date 1 July 2025.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 38,700 DKK/approx. 5,100 EUR (April 2025 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 17.1 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

 

Questions
For further information please contact Kim Rewitz; Kim.Rewitz@bio.ku.dk; https://www1.bio.ku.dk/

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

 

Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
4. List of publications.

 

Deadline for applications: 28 April 2025, 23.59pm CET

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

 

The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

 

Interviews are expected to be held in week 20

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.